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Cape Cod Fireworks Displays2018 Dates & Best Viewing Locations

Cape Cod fireworks displays are some of the finest you'll see anywhere. When it comes to blasting off the biggest, showiest fireworks, our Cape Cod towns really go all out!

Cape Cod Canal Centennial Fireworks

The most (and best!) displays take place during 4th of July week. That's when we celebrate America's Independence Day with parades down Main Street, barbecues and band concerts on the town square, and phenomenal fireworks shows from one end of Cape Cod to the other.

But that's not all ...

The big boomers are set off during special fairs and festivals at other times of year, too.

And, we close out the old and ring in the New Year with more big fireworks shows.

If you're lucky enough to be on Cape Cod at fireworks time, you're in for a special treat!

Fireworks Displays: July 4th Week

Mashpee, MA

Date: July 1, 2018

Time: Dusk

Place: Mashpee Middle/High School

Insider's Tip: The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a whole evening of food, rides, games, music, and lots more.

Orleans, MA

Date: July 1, 2018 (rain date July 5th)

Time: Dusk

Place: Rock Harbor

Insider's Tip: You can also see the Rock Harbor fireworks display from Cape Cod Bay beaches in Brewster and Eastham. They'll be off at a distance, but still fun to see.

Sandwich, MA

Date: July 4, 2018

Time: Around 10 p.m.

Place: Shawme Pond

Insider's Tip: The Peter Beauchemin Memorial Fireworks Display is the culmination of a full day of activities in Sandwich that include a street parade, a boat parade, a 3-mile race and picnic.

Falmouth, MA

Date: July 4, 2018

Time: Dusk

Place: Falmouth Heights Beach

Insider's Tip: Do you have a portable radio? Be sure to bring it with you, and tune to PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) to hear the music that accompanies the fireworks.

Hyannis, MA

Date: July 4, 2018

Time: Dusk

Place: Lewis Bay

Insider's Tip: The best viewing spots are the beaches around Hyannis Harbor and on the West Yarmouth beaches along Lewis Bay. Pack a picnic basket for dinner and stake out your spot in late afternoon. Or have a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, then walk to the beach for the fireworks show. (Don't forget your cover-up clothes. It gets chilly on the beach after sunset, even in July!)

Provincetown, MA

Date: July 4, 2018

Time: Dusk

Place: Provincetown Harbor

Insider's Tip: For a very special experience - watch the fireworks from onboard a ship in the Harbor. On July 4th, Dolphin Fleet offers whale watch plus fireworks cruises as well as a fireworks-only cruise. These cruises are very popular, so reserve your spot early. (Dolphin Fleet: 1-800-826-9300)

Onset-Wareham, MA

Date: July 7, 2018

Time: Dusk

Place: Onset Beach & Bay

Insider's Tip: The village of Onset is on the "mainland" side of the Cape Cod Canal, just over the bridge. It's an absolutely gorgeous little village, and well worth a visit!

More Cape Cod Fireworks Displays in 2018

Sandwich MA

Sandwich Town Fair

Date: July 13, 2018

Time: Dusk or after

Place: On the grounds of Sandwich High School

Insider's Tip: The annual Sandwich Town Fair reminds me so much of days gone by, when we'd ride the ferris wheel with our best pal (or sweetheart!) and stuff our faces with cotton candy until our lips and fingers turned a strange shade of blue. ;-)

Get out and enjoy the fair, or watch the fireworks from any nearby vantage point!

See the Fair schedule, admission and parking info at sandwichtownfair.org

Dennis, MA

Date: August 25, 2018

Time: Dusk

Place: West Dennis Beach, West Dennis

Insider's Tip: This family friendly evening at West Dennis Beach begins at 7 p.m. with a beach bonfire and live music, followed by the big fireworks display at 9 p.m. Although parking is plentiful along this beautiful expanse of Nantucket Sound shoreline, get there early to secure your spot and enjoy all the festivities!

Harwich, MA

Date: September 15, 2018

Time: 8 p.m.

Place: Harwich Community Center fields, 100 Oak Street, Harwich

Insider's Tip: Come for the Harwich Cranberry Festival Weekend arts & crafts fair. Stay for the CranJam music festival. Then cap off a fun-filled day with the fireworks display!

Yarmouth, MA

Yarmouth Seaside Festival

Date: October 7, 2018

Time: 8 p.m.

Place: Seagull Beach, South Yarmouth

Insider's Tip: The Seaside Festival is the "last hurrah" of the season in the town of Yarmouth. This popular annual Columbus Day weekend event features all sorts of activities including a road race, a huge crafts fair, canoe and kayak races, beach activities, a bonfire, a parade ... and the big fireworks display over Seagull Beach.

For more info, visit the Festival's website at yarmouthseasidefestival.com

What to Bring to the Fireworks Display

Even on the warmest July evening, the sand is damp and gnats come out at dusk.

To keep your "ooohs and aaahs" from turning to "ouches and icks", here are two things we always bring along for seaside fireworks viewing.

Easy-Carry Beach Blanket

When it's time to plunk down on the beach to watch the fireworks show, this pretty, waterproof blanket makes a comfy place to stretch out while keeping damp sand granules from invading your shorts. ;-)

At the end of the evening, just shake the blanket off and fold it up. No fuss, no muss - and it's light enough so the kids can carry it for you!

New Year's Fireworks Displays

Chatham, MA

Ring in the New Year with the first big Cape Cod fireworks displays of 2019 at Chatham's First Night celebration!

Date: December 31st

Time: Midnight

Place: Oyster Pond

Insider's Tip: As a special treat for the young 'uns (and any of us who can't manage to stay awake until midnight ;-) there's an early "low level" fireworks show following the 6 p.m. Noise Parade to Veterans Field.

For more about First Night, visit firstnightchatham.com

Provincetown, MA

Party hats, confetti, and noisemakers are a distant memory. Hangovers have subsided. ;-) Does that mean the New Year celebrations are over? No way!!

Provincetown keeps the festivities going throughout the weekend ... complete with an early-evening fireworks display on January 1st.

Date: January 1st

Time: Around 5 p.m.

Place: MacMillan Pier

Insider's Tip: Provincetown First Light celebration begins on December 28th. There's a lot happening in town this weekend. Go early, stay all weekend, party safely, and enjoy!

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